Ford says software update will fix fire problem

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford will update software on 2013 Escape SUVs and Fusion cars to fix a coolant problem that can cause fires.

Last month the automaker recalled more than 89,000 of the vehicles after getting complaints about overheating and fires. It urged owners to get loaner cars from dealers until Ford found a fix. Only vehicles with 1.6-liter turbocharged engines are affected.

Ford Product Development Chief Raj Nair says the problem happens when a coolant doesn’t flow through the radiator to be cooled. That is because a valve is out-of-sync with the thermostat. Overheated coolant can blow gaskets and leak onto hot exhaust parts.

The problem has caused nine fires. Nair says the software change will fix the problem.

So far only about 17,000 customers have taken their cars to dealers.